Ancient Egyptian Contraception: The Unusual Use of Crocodile Dung



Cultural News
Ancient Egyptian Contraception: The Unusual Use of Crocodile Dung

In ancient Egypt, a civilization renowned for its remarkable achievements, an unusual and rather astonishing method of contraception was once in use: the application of crocodile dung. This practice, which might seem bizarre to modern - day observers, was deeply rooted in the Egyptians' understanding of nature and medicine.

 

The ancient Egyptians believed that the pungent and acidic properties of crocodile feces could create an environment hostile to sperm, thereby preventing pregnancy. It is thought that they would mix the dung with substances like honey or milk, creating a paste - like consistency. This mixture was then inserted into the vagina, in the hopes of blocking sperm from reaching the egg. Given the significant role that crocodiles played in Egyptian mythology and daily life, it's possible that this use of their dung was also influenced by a sense of the mystical and powerful qualities associated with these fearsome reptiles.

 

While this method might seem ineffective and unhygienic by contemporary standards, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian people as they sought ways to control fertility. Their attempts at contraception were part of a broader exploration of health and reproductive knowledge, and the use of crocodile dung stands as a testament to the lengths they went to understand and manipulate the processes of human reproduction. Although modern science has long since debunked the efficacy of this method, it remains a captivating part of Egypt's rich historical tapestry.
Latest Stories
Sci-Tech News1 minute readOn July 16 local time, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated it has not considered replacing its existing contracts with L3 Harris Technologies and Verizon with SpaceX’s Starlink for aviation control systems. The FAA clarified it will not use Starlink or any satellite service as the sole communication technology for safety-critical air traffic services, nor will it abandon previous partners for SpaceX.
Feline News1 minute readIn the world of domestic cats, one breed stands out for its striking resemblance to the wild tiger—the Toyger. Developed in the 1980s by American breeder Judy Sugden, this unique feline was crafted with a clear vision: to create a house cat that embodies the majesty of its larger, wild cousin while maintaining a gentle, companionable nature.
Sports News1 minute readWith exactly three years until the opening ceremony, the Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee (LA28) revealed its first official competition schedule Monday, marking a historic milestone for the city’s third Olympic Games and first Paralympics. The schedule introduces major structural shifts, including reorganized sports timelines and expanded youth engagement initiatives, aiming to create a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" for athletes and global audiences.
Social News1 minute readPakistan, a South Asian nation with vast lands and nearly 240 million people, faces severe economic hardships, leaving millions of families in dire straits. The World Bank reports nearly a quarter of its population lives below the poverty line, with many households earning less than $100 monthly. Its GDP per capita stands at $1,461, while rising living costs make daily expenses unmanageable.
Sports News1 minute readRussian Sports Minister and President of the Russian Olympic Committee, Mikhail Degtyarev, has revealed that Russia, currently under IOC sanctions, is preparing to submit bids for both the Summer and Winter Olympics, aiming to host the world - renowned sporting event for the third time.
Industry News2 minute readOn June 24th, Amazon announced a major expansion of its rapid delivery services to more rural regions across the United States, marking a significant step in its efforts to bridge the urban-rural logistics gap. The e-commerce giant revealed plans to offer same-day or next-day delivery to over 4,000 small cities, towns, and rural communities by the end of 2025, bringing faster shipping options to areas that have long faced slower delivery timelines compared to urban centers.
Social News1 minute readWilliam Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52, and was buried in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. His epitaph, inscribed on his tombstone, serves as a stern warning to potential grave robbers: